Mecha Era: Ascending to Godhood Alone

Three days later.

On the outskirts of Base No. 11.

A high-speed maglev train zipped past the roadside grass like a shuttle, its rumbling fading into the distance.

Li Yi leapt off the train, landing gracefully on the ground. His destination was clear—he immediately set off toward the Deep Space Fleet's outpost.

What he didn't know was that someone had witnessed him latch onto the train's frame at the very start of his journey, following his every move.

By the time Li Yi reached the outpost after a ten-minute walk, ready to board the ship, that same observer stepped out of the crowd waiting to board. With a cheerful expression, he approached Li Yi.

"Hey, man, that was some insane freeloading back there. I saw you grab the train's frame back at Base 31 and hang on for half an hour. Respect, seriously."

Li Yi turned to see a man half a head shorter than himself, with deep red irises and a white, dome-shaped mechanical cap on his head.

The man's skin was unnaturally pale and smooth, with a faint green, snake-shaped mark on his neck. Li Yi's eyes narrowed slightly. A gene pattern belonging to the Quanzu, the privileged clans.

"You're from the Ding family?"

"That's right. Name's Ding Xu. What should I call you, brother?"

"Li Yi."

"Judging by your looks, you're from the Pingzu, right? For someone from an impoverished background to hone such skills—impressive! What position are you applying for on the ship?"

Ding Xu seemed quite friendly, showing neither disdain nor superiority despite Li Yi's humble origins.

"Mecha pilot."

"Wow, a mecha pilot! That's amazing. We might even team up. I'm applying as a mechanic. Let's work well together."

Ding Xu extended his hand, offering a handshake.

Li Yi, naturally wary of the Quanzu, hesitated for a moment.

Before he could decide, a sharp mechanical grinding sound came from the ground ahead. A large cross-shaped crack appeared, splitting open just a few centimeters. The heavy whir of gears followed as the fissure widened into a pitch-black opening.

From within, a small aircraft slowly emerged.

With a sharp clack, the hatch opened, and a boarding ramp extended to the ground. Then, with a thunderous thud, a three-meter-tall silver-white exoskeleton suit stepped out, landing heavily.

Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, the suit's pitch-black visor slid back to reveal a face full of authority.

Luo Cheng?

Li Yi thought to himself, recognizing the man. With the suit on, Luo Cheng would undoubtedly be beyond Li Yi's ability to defeat in a barehanded fight. Not without some sturdy equipment to even the odds.

Suddenly, a red light flashed from the edge of Luo Cheng's right eye, scanning the crowd with lightning speed.

"All ten recruits are present. Good, everyone's punctual. Now, follow me onto the aircraft. The starship is stationed elsewhere."

"Hello again, Instructor Luo."

Li Yi greeted him with a smile. Luo Cheng's lips twitched at the sight of him. He seemed to want to say something but held back, mindful of the other recruits.

"Enough talk. Board the aircraft!"

Li Yi, Ding Xu, and the other eight recruits quickly ascended the ramp in single file.

The aircraft resembled a fish in shape, narrow at the front, curved at the back, with a spacious hollow interior. Inside, there were no proper seats, only scattered ropes, pulleys, and military backpacks.

Everyone found spots along the walls to sit.

The takeoff was smooth and steady, a testament to the Deep Space Fleet's engineering excellence.

This particular group of ten recruits included only one woman; the rest were men. It wasn't surprising. Deep Space Fleet voyages often spanned several years, with isolation and hardship deterring most women from applying.

However, those who did were never ordinary.

Coincidentally, the lone woman had taken a seat directly across from Li Yi.

Li Yi couldn't help but notice her. She bore a striking resemblance to Ding Xu—pale, smooth skin, deep red irises, and flowing purple-blue hair. She wore a bright orange mechanical cap and maintained a silent, elegant demeanor, an eye-catching presence among the group.

"You think she's my sister, don't you?"

Ding Xu leaned over with a smirk, reading Li Yi's expression.

Li Yi nodded slightly.

"She's not my sister. She's my fiancée, Miao Wanwan. Also happens to be my cousin. I joined the fleet this time mainly because of her."

Li Yi had nothing to say. The Quanzu really play by their own rules.

Though genetic advancements had eradicated many hereditary diseases, common ethics still frowned upon marriages between close relatives.

"Wanwan, come sit over here."

Ding Xu beckoned, pointing to the seat between himself and Li Yi.

Miao Wanwan opened her eyes, offering Li Yi an apologetic smile before carefully making her way over. As she sat down, her shoulder brushed against Li Yi's, prompting him to shift slightly to give her more space.

"Wanwan, this is Li Yi. He's incredibly skilled—he hung onto a train going 500 kilometers per hour for half an hour! I'm sure he'll become a top-tier mecha pilot. You should exchange combat tips with him; you'll definitely learn a lot."

Miao Wanwan's eyes lit up.

"Hello, Li Yi. I'm also applying as a mecha pilot. If you're that talented, I'd love to hear your insights."

"Oh, Ding Xu must have been mistaken. I didn't grab onto a train like that. I haven't even touched a mecha before, so I'm definitely not as skilled as you Quanzu."

Li Yi deflected the praise with a laugh, trying to downplay the story. It was best not to draw too much attention to himself, especially in this new environment.

Miao Wanwan seemed thoughtful but nodded in agreement.

"That does sound a bit far-fetched. Without an evolved physique, holding onto a train going 500 kilometers per hour seems impossible. My cousin must have been mistaken."

"No way! Wanwan, I swear I saw it with my own eyes!"

"Oh really? And how can you be so sure?"

Li Yi simply turned away and pretended to sleep, cutting off the conversation.

Not long after, a low rumble reverberated through the aircraft.

Moments later, everyone felt their bodies becoming weightless, floating uncontrollably.

"Are we in space already?" someone exclaimed in excitement.

Li Yi opened his eyes, seeing the elation on everyone's faces.

"The main ship didn't dock on the surface this time," muttered a burly man sitting nearby. His rugged appearance and sharp gaze hinted at a history of dangerous work. "No wonder those cultists have never been able to track the Deep Space Fleet. Their security measures are top-notch."

The man had previously worked in the Anti-Cult Bureau, making his observation particularly credible.

A minute later, gravity returned, and everyone settled back into place.

Luo Cheng's voice came through the loudspeakers:

"Welcome aboard the Deep Space Fleet's No. 7 Flagship, Yaochi."

With a sharp click, the hatch opened, revealing a vast interior bustling with activity. Biomechanical robots moved back and forth, transporting goods with precise efficiency.

Luo Cheng stepped out of his exoskeleton suit and addressed the recruits:

"All mecha trainees, proceed to Ba

y 12. Prepare for the Mecha Combat Tournament."

He paused, glancing over the group.

"Good luck. May fortune favor your battles."